On a cold, January evening it took two goals and a stern defence to finally break the everlasting deadlock which threatened the very existance of TTFE-L. After a sad second season in the Gol league with only a single win out of eighteen games, and an inspiring start in their new lease of life in Division Three, the lads finally pulled a deserved win out of the hat. However is this a sign of things to come - dare I say a revival on the cards - or will this be the shining moment in the demise of competitive TTFE?

TTFE 2 - 1 C.S.V.FC

The game yesterday evening against C.S.V.FC was a daunting prospect in hindsight, as they had already grabbed some wins under their belt and have looked to be respectable title contenders. The events midweek concerning Jon Ridout and his obvious disagreement with the 10-0 defeat only a week ago had prompted a major shakeup and it was he who took on the reigns of captaincy in Chris' absence. I myself arrived on the scene a few minutes into the first half with no score. But as I caught my first glimpse - it was clear that something before hand had inspired TTFE to perform. Whether it was a pep talk from Ridout and/or a clear and precise battle plan which initiated such fire and passion can only be explained from the players themselves. But one thing is for sure, this was a different side which accepted ass-whoppings on a weekly basis.

This is a side which play with a bit more confidence than before. Weller has improved ten fold as a keeper and his credentials can hardly be knocked at this stage in his 5-a-side footballing career. The inclusion of Billy and more recently Pat has intensified the aggression of the team, almost shedding a 'no-holds barred' impression for the team. Fearless Pat even went the whole nine yards and earn a 'Tesco Clubcard' for a reckless and fierce challenge, but a challenge which certainly did not lack any determination or clarity in terms of getting the ball. The side even managed to hold their own whilst Pat was off the pitch, demonstrating that this is a more mature side which knows when switch their game when needed. Overall Paul, who also is not short on aggression these days, also had a firm and fair grip on the game at the back and is improving in confidence. These gents all had their feet in last ditch tackles and killed any chance of dilly-dallying across the box and any short shot attempts, limiting them to long range strikes. This I believe this a particular tactic last night and it paid off.

In attack, I was glad to see that both Ridout and Pugh led as TTFE talismen from the front. More satisfying, Pugh was getting more involved verbally and I could see it really driving his game forward. So many more times in this game were there actual clear-cut chances and lots of direct shots on goal. The scoreline of 2-1 was not a true representation of the amount of times TTFE had littered the goal mouth, only to be beaten with an above average goalkeeper. Billy and (Ridout) scored in a quick two goal salvo and were both out of open play. There was so much more moving and passing, and dare I say it there were even glimpses of 1-2 passing which opened up some glorious opportunites on goal.

This was not to say that this was a flawless victory. I would confidently state that in 5-a-side there is almost a performance which escapes some sort of criticism. For example, this side was surprisingly weak based on their previous form. They also seemed in some sort of disunion as there was infighting in their own ranks; turning on each other at substitutions and on the whole, they failed to bond genuinely as a team. Yet this was a very skillful and energetic team who were never short of stamina or fatigue - the latter aspect almost cost TTFE a well-deserved win. TTFE were able to take advantage of some lax defending and spacious gaps around the goal area and they would often use their pace as a major threat, not so much a free-flowing passing game on their behalf. TTFE also were sloppy with the ball at times and were often surprisingly lax in their man-marking, which was dangerous against a side with so many pacy players. However in saying this, Weller was very much in control of what little contact he received with the ball from attacks. The goal scored by the opposition was also a result of some kerfuffle with the referee and was purely one out of opportunity not one according to the run of play. The referee awarded a free kick for a foul on the edge of the box and whilst TTFE disputed it, also causing the referee to explain his decision, the opposing player just slotted it home past an unprepared Weller. The referee then was forced to give the goal as it was legal, but turned away sheepishly as he knew his engagement cost TTFE a goal. At this moment in the game roughly ten minutes remained and it was all to play for in both camps. TTFE looked the weaker team in terms of fatigue and fitness but remained determined and reaped the win they deserved.

Returning to the question above however, is this a look at things to come? Before I do, I have to say I may have written negatively here and have rained on the parade a little. For that I apologise to anyone who expected a positive, glowing report. But as Jon Ridout pointed out only a week ago, football doesn't work like that. With that said however, I will venture a yes and be positive that there is a future for TTFE-L. I say this in the knowledge that some of the old vital creases which need to be ironed out of the game like movement off the ball, alertness in set-piece positions (turn to face after goals scored too) and greater rigidity in man-marking are still ever present in recent games. But what I'm proud to see at last, and what I ultimately think will ensure the survival of TTFE, is this sudden infusion of passion and determination to do well and improve. That is the real triumph to take away from this game and the result is a bonus treasure to keep from such an effort. Well done gents.